even though romney went on to win decisive victories in key primary states eventually the republican nominee he emerged from the battle bruised. >> i don't see how a massachusetts liberal will do better. >> he is the worst republican in the country to put up against barack obama. >> reporter: romney's campaign saw several ups and downs but appearing confident and in command during the first debate romney threw president obama off his game with the president delivering a surprisingly shaky performance. >> the first debate sets the tone and can have the most impact. but, yeah, look this is a series. >> reporter: mr. obama regained his footing by the third and final debate and ultimately won re-election. >> the best is yet to come. >> reporter: 2012 also marked a milestone in implementation of president obama's health care law. in a 5-4 decision back in june the u.s. supreme court ruled the major crux of obamacare, the individual mandate is indeed constitutional. >> i'm happy. i'm pleased, to see the supreme court put the rule of law ahead of partisanship and ruled that the affordable c